365betÓéÀÖ

Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19: A Local Adaptation

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Ultra Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19 Pandemic: Introduction of a Locally-Adapted Brief Intervention for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Nicholas Pang Tze Ping, Wendy Diana Shoesmith, Sandi James, Noor Melissa Nor Hadi, Eugene Koh Boon Yau, Loo Jiann Lin


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Ultra Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19 Pandemic: Introduction of a Locally-Adapted Brief Intervention for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.6

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 has significantly impacted mental health globally. Recognizing this urgent need, the ultra-brief psychological interventions (UBPI) model was developed in 2018 to equip healthcare professionals with essential psychological skills that can be rapidly deployed in brief encounters, ideally within 15-20 minutes. This model was notably adapted in response to the unique psychological challenges presented by the pandemic, emphasizing the provision of psychological first aid (PFA) to both healthcare providers on the front lines and the broader public grappling with mental distress during this crisis.

Enhancing Mental Health Support Through UBPI

The adaptation of UBPI during COVID-19 included developing a self-guided manual (UC-19) specifically designed to address the psychological needs arising from the pandemic. Initial trials with nurses at Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah demonstrated that UBPI techniques - including empathy, validation, mindfulness, and problem-solving - significantly improved team communication and effectively addressed issues such as anxiety and frustration among healthcare workers. Additionally, a web-based platform called COVIDCare was established to extend PFA to the general public. This platform enabled medical students to deliver support efficiently, leveraging UBPI principles to help users manage their anxiety and emotional distress.

Conclusion

The ongoing development and application of UBPI during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate its potential as a scalable model for mental health interventions in crisis situations. By offering practical and accessible psychological skills, UBPI enables healthcare professionals and community members to respond effectively to the mental health challenges posed by the pandemic. Ultimately, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of integrating brief psychological interventions into routine healthcare practices, fostering a more responsive and resilient system capable of supporting mental health in future public health crises.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of Ultra-Brief Psychological Interventions (UBPI)?

UBPI aims to equip healthcare providers with essential psychological skills for effective interventions within short timeframes, specifically designed to address mental health needs during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How was UBPI adapted for the COVID-19 pandemic?

UBPI was modified to meet the unique psychological challenges posed by COVID-19, incorporating relevant techniques such as validation, mindfulness, and supportive communication, specifically tailored for frontline healthcare workers and the general public.

What types of techniques are included in the UBPI framework?

UBPI integrates techniques from various psychotherapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing, enabling health practitioners to deliver effective psychological support in brief sessions.

How has UBPI been received by frontline healthcare workers?

Frontline healthcare workers reported positive feedback on using UBPI techniques, noting improvements in team communication and individual coping skills amidst the stress and anxiety related to their roles during the pandemic.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19: A Local Adaptation�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Mental health:
Mental health refers to the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues in the healthcare workforce, as stress and anxiety can arise from challenging circumstances and significantly impact overall health.

2) Training:
Training in this context relates to the education provided to healthcare providers to equip them with skills for delivering ultra-brief psychological interventions (UBPI). Effective training prepares professionals to address mental health challenges efficiently and provides them with essential techniques to support their colleagues and patients.

3) Cina:
China is referenced as a country that implemented progressive mental health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document highlights how it adapted its healthcare system to include emergency psychological crisis interventions, offering insights into how other nations can learn from its experiences in managing mental health.

4) Table:
The Table in the document lists techniques used in UBPI, derived from various psychotherapies like CBT and ACT. It serves as a practical guide for practitioners, illustrating how these techniques can be condensed into brief interventions, allowing for effective mental health support amidst ongoing crises.

5) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a significant mental health concern highlighted in the document, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interventions discussed aim to provide relief and coping mechanisms for healthcare workers and the public grappling with heightened anxiety due to uncertainty and restrictions associated with the pandemic.

6) Hadi:
Hadi refers to Nor Hadi, one of the authors involved in the formulation of the UBPI and its adaptations for the COVID-19 context. Their contributions are pivotal in creating and distributing resources aimed at enhancing mental health support among healthcare providers and the general public.

7) Measurement:
Measurement in the context of the document deals with the challenge of quantifying the effectiveness of UBPI. While qualitative feedback is positive, establishing standardized quantitative measures remains difficult due to the diverse nature of psychological issues each client presents, hindering comprehensive analysis of the intervention's impact.

8) Language:
Language plays a crucial role in the adaptation of UBPI manuals for different populations. In this case, skills were translated into Malay, enabling wider accessibility and understanding among Malaysian practitioners and clients, which is essential for effective communication and practical application in diverse cultural contexts.

9) Anda (Amda):
Anda means 'you' in Malay and appears in the context of the manual aimed at helping individuals manage their mental health during the pandemic. This focus emphasizes the personal aspect of mental health interventions, aiming to empower individuals to take proactive steps in caring for their psyche.

10) Discussion:
Discussion in the document refers to the analysis of how UBPI has been implemented and its relevance in addressing mental health challenges during the pandemic. It reflects on the overall effectiveness, potential limitations, and future adaptations required for broader application in turbulent times.

11) Epidemic:
The term epidemic is crucial as it contextualizes the global situation of COVID-19 and the need for urgent mental health interventions. The document discusses how the unique challenges posed by the pandemic necessitate innovative approaches to mental health care strategies to support affected populations.

12) Disease:
Disease, particularly COVID-19, pertains to the broader health crisis impacting mental health. The document focuses on the psychological fallout associated with the disease, emphasizing the need for adequate psychological support mechanisms to help individuals cope with the distress arising from this global health challenge.

13) Meeting:
Meeting refers to the gathering of various stakeholders involved in addressing the mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, mental health experts, and authorities are essential for strategizing effective interventions to mitigate the psychological impact of the pandemic.

14) Post:
Post indicates the aftermath or follow-up actions taken after the implementation of psychological interventions. In the context of the document, it refers to how the outcomes of UBPI can lead to ongoing adjustments and enhancements of mental health strategies in response to evolving needs.

15) Transmission:
Transmission relates to the spread of COVID-19, which directly emphasizes the health measures necessary to minimize its impact. The document highlights the psychological burden resulting from transmission fears, necessitating mental health support alongside physical health interventions during a global pandemic.

16) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of creating and refining mental health interventions such as UBPI. The document discusses how developing tailored psychological techniques is vital for addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals and healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

17) Science (Scientific):
Scientific indicates the evidence-based approach utilized in formulating and implementing UBPI. The document references various psychotherapeutic techniques derived from robust clinical evidence, highlighting the importance of employing scientifically backed strategies to ensure the efficacy of psychological interventions in mental health.

18) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding gained through research and practice regarding mental health during crises. The document stresses the importance of disseminating knowledge related to psychological interventions, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped to support those affected by the psychological toll of the pandemic.

19) Activity:
Activity pertains to the practical engagement of healthcare providers in using UBPI techniques. The document emphasizes that brief psychological skills can be easily incorporated into daily routines, promoting proactive mental health support, especially in high-stress scenarios like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

20) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying describes the emotional responses experienced by individuals, particularly in relation to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The document highlights the psychological distress caused by constant worrying and encourages the use of techniques designed to help individuals manage these feelings effectively.

21) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of mental health support provided through interventions like UBPI. The document emphasizes the need for high-quality training and resources to ensure effective delivery of psychological skills, aiming to improve the overall mental health service provision during the pandemic.

22) Dealing:
Dealing signifies how healthcare providers and individuals cope with the psychological challenges posed by the pandemic. The document advocates for the use of UBPI to enhance coping mechanisms and facilitate effective responses to the increased psychological demands experienced by both the public and healthcare workers.

23) Medium:
Medium in this context refers to the platforms and methods used to deliver psychological support, such as telepsychiatry. The document discusses the effectiveness and limitations of using digital mediums for mental health service delivery, highlighting the importance of adapting to new communication technologies during crises.

24) Campu:
Campu seems to be a typographical error and likely refers to 'campus,' which indicates the university setting where some of the interventions were implemented. The context implies that educational institutions play a critical role in equipping students and staff with necessary psychological support during stressful times.

25) Rules:
Rules encompass the guidelines and protocols established to govern mental health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document stresses the importance of adhering to these rules to ensure both safety and effectiveness in providing psychological support to individuals in distress.

26) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the ongoing research and evaluation of mental health strategies like UBPI. The document suggests that further investigation into the efficacy of the techniques employed is necessary to establish a comprehensive understanding of their impact on various populations facing mental health challenges.

27) Anger (Angry):
Anger is recognized as a potential emotional response resulting from the stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. The document discusses the application of UBPI techniques to help individuals manage their anger, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation in maintaining mental well-being.

28) Food:
Food refers to the physiological needs that can become a source of anxiety during crises, particularly in the context of the pandemic. The document highlights the interplay between physical sustenance and mental health, emphasizing that insecurities about food availability can exacerbate psychological distress.

29) Pose:
Pose relates to the challenges or dilemmas that arise during the pandemic. The document discusses how various demands, including mental health support, pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, necessitating innovative solutions like UBPI to effectively manage the pressure on mental health resources.

30) Pir:
Peer refers to the collaborative support structures among healthcare workers. The document suggests that peer support is integral in the UBPI framework, fostering communication and shared experiences among professionals to enhance mental health care delivery in challenging environments.

31) Mud:
Mood pertains to the emotional states impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The document discusses how interventions aimed at stabilizing mood can benefit healthcare workers and the public, reinforcing the necessity of addressing emotional well-being amidst the ongoing crisis.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19: A Local Adaptation�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental health, General public, Public health, Psychological support, Psychological need, Qualitative research, Psychological well-being, Problem solving, Ethical consideration, General population, COVID 19, COVID-19 Pandemic, Psychological distress, Movement restriction, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mental health issue, Social distancing, Psychological intervention, Healthcare professional, Healthcare provider, Mental health care, Clinical setting, Health authorities, Public health implication, Online consultation, Psychological first aid, Essential supplies, Mental health crisis, Health professional, Shared decision-making, Online platform, Action research, Qualitative evidence, Mental health team, Psychiatric hospital.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Crisis situation, Anxiety and distress, Act.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: